When I interviewed for my job as a beauty writer at Stylist, I was asked about my one desert island product. “Mascara. Without it, I look a bit like an egg,” I replied without even needing to think about it. It’s a statement I still stand by today.

For me, mascara really opens my eyes and makes me look more awake – but because my eyelashes are very, very straight, I need a formula that will not only lengthen them but give a curling lift, too.

Over the years, I’ve found a couple that make a huge difference (shout out to Chanel’s incredible 3D wand), but a new mascara has recently been causing ripples of excitement across the industry and I knew I had to give it a try.

When Hourglass launched its new Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara, £29, on Space NK, it sold out instantly. In fact, it is now Space NK’s bestselling mascara of all time. But what’s all the fuss about?

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara review: is it worth the hype?